greatbrewers [dot] com Jenlain is the second largest independent brewery in France, and by far the largest one making bière de garde – France’s only original, traditional beer style. Jenlain is credited with reviving the style, and encouraging countless smaller bière de garde breweries in Northern France.
Four generations of brewers
Brasserie Duyck, is above all a family affair, with a passion for beer shared by four generations of brewers: Léon, Félix, Robert, and now Raymond...
• années 1900/1910 : Léon Duyck, from Flanders, was the first member of the family to take up the trade.
He passed his passion for brewing fine beer down to his son, Félix.
• 1922 : Félix Duyck set up his farmhouse brewery in Jenlain, near Valenciennes, where he produced his first matured beer which was to become the famous Jenlain.
• 1950 : The champagne bottle makes its entry into the story: the Duycks recycled empty champagne bottles to allow their customers to enjoy their beers in their own homes.
• 1960 : Robert Duyck took the business over from his father. People were already coming from far afield to taste the Duyck's special beers...
• 1968 : The mature beer brewed by the Duycks was given the name of the village, Jenlain.
• années 1970 : To meet growing sales of the beer, Robert Duyck decided to modernize the brewery.
• 1990 : Raymond Duyck, Léon's great grandson, took the helm of the family business. While continuing to abide by the company's traditions, he has introduced a number of new beers to the brewery's repertoire.
• Since 2002 : Raymond Duyck has deployed an active policy to develop the brewery. Through considerable equipment investments, this policy has enabled the company to meet market requirements in terms of quality and care for the environment.
• 2005 : Jenlain Blonde, a new addition to the Duyck family, is launched. Little sister of the illustrious Jenlain Ambrée, it once again demonstrates the brewery’s expertise and flair for innovation, ever faithful to its values of authenticity and modernity.
• 2007 : The brewery adopts a new look, enhancing the work environment of its 40 employees, with a pretty cobbled courtyard, weathervane, stained glass window and well.
Right from the beginning, it is hard work, skill and love for tradition on which the Brasserie Duyck's renown has been built.
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